Tigers lead from start to finish in exhibition

Monday

Nov 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - A quick start by the Pacific men's basketball team gave it a convincing victory over Montana Tech as the Tigers wrapped up their exhibition schedule before a crowd of 1,653 Sunday at Spanos Center.

Kevin Niendorf

STOCKTON - A quick start by the Pacific men's basketball team gave it a convincing victory over Montana Tech as the Tigers wrapped up their exhibition schedule before a crowd of 1,653 Sunday at Spanos Center.

The Tigers won 76-52 as senior forward Tony Gill scored 16 of his game-high 19 points in the first half while teammate Andrew Bock, playing at times against his brother, added nine points and six assists.

Montana Tech's Bryan Bock (7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) has never had the responsibility of guarding his brother "in a real game with officials," Andrew said.

"It was a fun experience, and I'm glad I got to play against him," Andrew Bock said. "We didn't let (being brothers) distract us. During the game we wanted to keep it all business.

"We were looking forward to it because all of our family was able to come down and watch us play," Andrew Bock added. "He's definitely gotten better; they have a good chance of taking their league."

"That's one of the best games he's had since he's been a Tiger," Verlin said. "I liked the way the ball moved, and we got out to an outstanding start."

The Tigers claimed a 39-21 halftime lead and, by game's end, all 14 players had scored.

Verlin praised Gill, who led the team with eight rebounds and was 4 of 6 from 3-point land.

"Tony did outstanding," Verlin said. "We're very versatile inside and (Gill) is a big part of that."

Gill said the Tigers knew they had to do better than they did in their only other exhibition game, an 80-70 win Wednesday against Stanislaus State.

"In the last game, we came out sluggish," Gill said. "If we're going to be good, we have to come out of the gate fired up and ready to go. A lot of our shooters got good looks in the first half because (Montana Tech) had to pay attention to the post."

After taking the 19-2 lead to start the game, Pacific's defense enabled the Tigers to maintain at least a double-digit lead.

Another 10-0 run midway through the second half gave Pacific a 60-32 advantage. Montana Tech, an NAIA school in the Frontier League, received a team-high 14 points from Travis Peevy, including 12 in the second half.

Verlin said the Tigers will have to improve their perimeter defense going forward.

"I didn't think we were very good defensively," Verlin said. "You have to convert back, and then get out and guard the ball. Our technique of guarding the ball is not great."

Pacific next plays Friday at Nevada before returning home Nov. 12 to play UC Irvine.

» The first Pacific Basketball Booster Luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Vereschagin Alumni House. The cost is $20 per person.